The World’s Most Iconic Water Destinations on Social Media

1. Mauritius — 7.2 million posts

With an impressive 7.2 million posts across all social media platforms, Mauritius is no doubt the world’s most iconic water destination. Nestled in the African continent, this tropical paradise is renowned for its breathtaking sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, crystal-clear waters, making it a dream destination for travelers, especially those looking to take stunning photos and videos for their social media. 

Iconic spots like Île aux Cerfs and Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provide the perfect combination of scenic beauty and adventure. Whether when snorkeling through crystal-clear waters, kite surfing over the waves, or exploring the island’s unique wildlife—like the endangered pink pigeon and giant tortoises—there’s always something to film.

For those who love raw nature, Mauritius offers lush landscapes, including the striking Black River Gorges National Park, with dramatic waterfalls, and endless sugarcane fields. From coral reefs to serene sunsets, Mauritius is a place that promises endless opportunities to create eye-catching social media content while being completely emersed in a one of a kind experience.

2. Maui — 8.6 million posts

Ranked as the second-best water destination in the world, with 8.6 million posts across social media platforms, Maui is a must-visit location. Part of the Hawaiian archipelago, the island is renowned for its diverse beaches, including the golden sands of Wailea Beach, the stunning Kaanapali Beach, and the dramatic Big Beach. For those looking for adventure, the Road to Hana offers a breathtaking drive, winding through lush rainforests, picturesque waterfalls, and dramatic coastlines.

Maui's waters are ideal for snorkeling, with vibrant marine life surrounding the shores, while the island also stands out as one of the best places for whale watching during the winter months. For surfing enthusiasts, Maui is home to world-class surf spots, with Ho'okipa Beach being a top destination for experienced surfers. 

3. Niagara Falls — 4.4 million posts

Boosting over 4.4 million social media posts, Niagara Falls is the world’s third-best water destination. Known for its incredible natural beauty, it is one of the most famous and powerful waterfalls in the world. Located on the border between the United States and Canada, it consists of three majestic waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The falls are renowned for their massive flow of water, with over 3,160 tons of water flowing over the falls every second, creating a spectacular sight and powerful roar.

A major tourist attraction, Niagara Falls draws millions of visitors each year to experience its breathtaking views and the surrounding Niagara Falls State Park in the U.S. and Queen Victoria Park in Canada. The falls are also famous for boat tours, such as the Maid of the Mist, which take visitors up close to the base of the falls and facilitate breathtaking social media content. Nighttime illumination and fireworks displays add to its allure, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Additionally, it’s a popular destination for honeymooners, thanks to its romantic setting and scenic surroundings.

4. Amalfi Coast — 4.2 million posts

Taking the fourth place is Amalfi Coast, a stunning destination that captivates travelers from around the world and counts over 4.2 million post on socials. Known for its breathtaking coastal beauty, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches along the southern edge of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula. The Amalfi Coast is famous for its dramatic cliffs, picturesque villages like Positano and Amalfi, and its sparkling turquoise waters. The coastline is dotted with colorful buildings, narrow winding streets, and vibrant flowers, making it a content-worthy paradise at every turn.

Whether it's taking a boat tour along the coast, exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii, or enjoying a glass of limoncello, there's something magical about the region with every step.

5. Kauai — 3.6 million posts

Kauai has earned its place as the world’s fifth top water destinations, with over 3.6 million social media posts highlighting its stunning beauty. Often referred to as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is the oldest and most lush of the Hawaiian Islands, known for its diverse landscapes and outdoor adventures. The island is famous for its breathtaking scenery, including towering cliffs, dense jungles, vibrant waterfalls, and pristine beaches.

Among the island's most iconic features is the Na Pali Coast, with its dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and crystal-clear waters, accessible by boat, helicopter, or hiking the Kalalau Trail. The island’s beautiful, less crowded beaches, such as Hanalei Bay, Poipu Beach, and Tunnels Beach, are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and sunbathing. Kauai also has several striking waterfalls, including Wailua Falls, Opaekaa Falls, and the multi-tiered Manawaiopuna Falls, made famous by the movie Jurassic Park.

• TikTok: Mauritius takes the top spot with 2 million posts, making it the most filmed and shared water destination on the platform.
• Instagram: Maui is the most Instagrammable water destination, with 8.1 million posts showcasing its beauty.
• YouTube: Niagara Falls dominates as the most filmed water location, with over 80,000 videos featuring this natural wonder.

North America Has The Most Popular Water Destinations On Social Media

When it comes to the most viral water destinations on social media, the North American continent takes the lead, boasting 4 out of the top 10 most shared locations across all platforms. These destinations include Maui, Niagara Falls, Kauai, and Florida Keys.

Following closely behind is Europe, which secures two spots in the top 10 — the breathtaking Amalfi Coast in Italy and the stunning Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

Capture Your Water Adventures with the Best Action Cameras

With nearly half of travelers choosing their destinations based on how “show-off worthy” they are on social media, having the right camera is essential to capturing and sharing the experience. Whether you're snorkeling in Mauritius, surfing in Maui, or taking a boat ride under Niagara Falls, a durable and waterproof action camera will help you record and share your experiences in stunning detail. These resources can help guide your decision when choosing the best camera to bring along on your next adventure:

• GoPro Alternative for Diving
• Best GoPro Alternatives Under $100
• The Best Action Cameras for Night-Time Shooting

For a more personalized recommendation, be sure to use our Action Camera Finder Tool, which matches you with the perfect camera based on your activity, preferred features, and budget.